Childhood Vaccines: What Parents Need to Know
Vaccines are a safe and effective way to protect children from serious diseases. Following the CDC schedule ensures protection at the right times.
Why Vaccines Matter
Vaccines have prevented millions of deaths and eliminated or greatly reduced many dangerous diseases. They work by training the immune system to recognize and fight specific germs.
The Recommended Schedule
The CDC's immunization schedule is developed by experts based on decades of research. Key vaccines include:
Birth to 15 Months - Hepatitis B - DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis) - Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b) - Polio - Pneumococcal (PCV13) - Rotavirus - MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) - Varicella (chickenpox) - Hepatitis A
4-6 Years - DTaP booster - Polio booster - MMR booster - Varicella booster